Answer:
Al2(SO4)3 is the limiting reactant
Step-by-step explanation:
We'll begin by writing the balanced equation for the reaction. This is illustrated below:
3Ba + Al2(SO4)3 → 2Al + 3BaSO4
Next, we shall determine the mass of Ba and the mass of Al2(SO4)3 that reacted from the balanced equation. This is illustrated below:
Molar mass of Ba = 137g/mol
Mass of Ba from the balanced equation = 3 x 137 = 411g
Molar mass of Al2(SO4)3 = 2x27 + 3[32 + (16x4)]
= 54 + 3[32 + 64]
= 54 + 3[96]
= 54 + 288 = 342g/mol
Mass of Al2(SO4)3 from the balanced equation = 1 x 342 = 342g
Summary:
From the balanced equation above,
411g of Ba reacted with 342g of Al2(SO4)3.
Finally, we shall determine the limiting reactant as follow:
From the balanced equation above,
411g of Ba reacted with 342g of Al2(SO4)3.
Therefore, 8g of Ba will react with
= (8 x 342/411 = 6.66g of Al2(SO4)3.
From the calculations made above, we can see that it will take a higher mass of Al2(SO4)3 i.e 6.66g than what was given i.e 2.8g to react completely with 8g of Ba.
Therefore, Al2(SO4)3 is the limiting reactant and Ba is the excess reactant.